Quality of life levels and affecting factors of individuals undergoing obesity surgery within the scope of medical tourism

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the quality of life levels of individuals undergoing obesity surgery within the scope of medical tourism. Materials and Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional study was conducted with 175 individuals who applied for bariatric surgery at Elazığ Fırat University Hospital General Surgery Clinic between 01.09.2023 and 01.06.2024. The Individual Introduction Form and IWQOL-Lite Scale were used for data collection. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, ANOVA test, and Linear Regression test were used for data analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the pre-operative and post-operative IWQOL-Lite Scale total scores (p < 0.001), physical function subscale (p<0.001), self-esteem subscale (p < 0.001), sexual life subscale (p < 0.001), social pressure subscale (p < 0.001), and work life subscale (p < 0.001) mean scores of the participants. Statistically significant differences were found between the pre-operative and post-operative IWQOL-Lite scale total and subscale scores according to the education and income levels of the individuals in the study (p < 0.05), while no statistically significant differences were found according to age groups, marital status, occupation, social security status, smoking status, and exercise status (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that individuals undergoing obesity surgery within the scope of medical tourism experience an improvement in their quality of life in the early post-operative period (3 months) compared to the pre-operative period. The results of this study are important in terms of raising awareness about the guidance of individuals applying to obesity surgery within the scope of medical tourism by health professionals. Keywords: Medical Tourism, Quality of Life, Obesity Surgery, Healthcare Professionals